Unveiling Joan Of Arc's Armor: Exploring Its Secrets And History
Could a teenage peasant girl, guided by divine voices, truly have changed the course of a centuries-long war and become a symbol of unwavering faith and national identity? The enduring fascination with Joan of Arc, the "Maid of Orlans," lies not just in her historical accomplishments but in the mysteries that still shroud her life, including the enigmatic fate of her armor.
The very image of Joan of Arc, often depicted in gleaming plate armor, has become an iconic representation of courage and leadership. But what did this armor actually look like? What became of the pieces she wore into battle, and what do we know about the specific types of armor she favored? The answers, pieced together from historical accounts and artistic representations, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of 15th-century warfare and the practical realities faced by this remarkable young woman.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) |
| Born | c. 1412 in Domrmy, France |
| Died | May 30, 1431, in Rouen, France (burned at the stake) |
| Nationality | French |
| Known For | Military leadership during the Hundred Years' War; religious visions; canonization as a saint |
| Involvement in Warfare | Led French troops to victory at Orlans (1429); captured at Compigne (1430); played a crucial role in the Dauphin Charles VII's coronation |
| Religious Beliefs | Deeply religious; claimed to hear the voices of saints (Michael, Catherine, and Margaret) guiding her actions. |
| Armour Specifications | It is believed that she wore a custom-made plate armor suit, though exact details are scarce. White armor was a type of highly polished armor that appeared almost white. |
| Canonization | Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920 |
| Reference Website | Britannica - Joan of Arc |
The "white harness," as the term was then used, denoted armor without elaborate decoration or embellishments. This likely indicates that her armor was functional and designed for combat efficiency rather than ostentation. However, popular culture often depicts her in elaborate, highly decorated armor, reflecting a romanticized view of the medieval period. The miniseries "Joan of Arc," for example, deviates from historical accuracy, portraying her in armor that isn't a "white harness."
Historical accounts suggest Joan of Arc wore a full suit of plate armor, a testament to her high rank and the importance placed on protecting her in battle. This kind of armor, composed of interlocking metal plates, offered superior protection against arrows, swords, and other weaponry common during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), a conflict that significantly shaped the destinies of both England and France. The war saw intense periods of conflict and decisive shifts of power.
The weight of such armor was substantial, even for Joan, who was known for her physical stamina and strength. Contrary to modern perceptions, armor of the time was not incredibly heavy. A full suit could weigh approximately 50 pounds, demanding considerable physical exertion from the wearer. Historical records indicate that she would have had a lys, a type of fleur-de-lis, on her chest, and possibly lyse around the besagues (the circular plates protecting the shoulders and armpits) - design details that add to the visual identity of her armor.
One of the most intriguing mysteries surrounding Joan of Arc is what happened to her armor after her capture near Compigne on May 23, 1431. This event marked a turning point in her fortunes. While the English were victorious in her capture, the fate of her armor remains uncertain. One theory suggests the English seized it, carrying it back to England as a war trophy. But this account is disputed.
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Historian Rgine Pernoud, for example, proposes an alternative theory: Joan did not leave her armor in the hands of her captors. Instead, she gave it as a votive offering, perhaps the armor of a captured Burgundian knight. If Pernoud is correct, this armor might now be in the Muse de l'Arme at Les Invalides in Paris. This historical institution houses numerous artifacts, and determining which item belonged to Joan could provide further insights into her life and service.
The image of Joan in armor has become a powerful symbol, inspiring artists and writers for centuries. The painting "Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII" by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, epitomizes neoclassical grandeur. Ingres monumental work presents Joan in full armor, positioned beside Charles VII during his coronation. This imagery reflects how profoundly Joans persona and appearance have influenced representations of her in art and popular culture.
The quest to understand Joan's armor, however, is fraught with challenges. Contemporary descriptions of her armor are limited and inconsistent. The lack of detailed records makes it difficult to know the exact type of armor she wore, and many descriptions are based on interpretations from various historical sources, including Christine de Pisan, Michelet, Pguy, and Voltaire.
Numerous depictions of Joan of Arc in armor abound in popular culture. The image of a warrior in shining plate armor is frequently used, sparking a significant number of recreations and imitations. The image of her at the coronation of Charles VII and her leadership on the battlefield, is perhaps the most recurrent one in popular culture, inspiring thousands, if not hundreds and thousands, of similar depictions.
Beyond its visual representation, the armor itself held practical significance. A bespoke suit of plate armor would have been an expensive investment, reflecting Joan's status. Given her central position in the war, the materials, craftsmanship, and unique features of her armor are likely to have been carefully selected to maximize protection and mobility. The pieces she wore included a sallet, which was a helmet that gave good visibility, and full plate armor that protected the entire body.
One can consider what it would have been like to see her on the battlefield, perhaps with a surcoat or coat of arms over her plate armor, as was common for the knights and commanders of the time. The image of her in the harness of Clovis 1, as shown in the Bedford Hours, provides a visual starting point for imagining how Joan's armor might have appeared in reality. The idea of a great bascinet and the armor's design, can then create a more accurate and captivating image.
The lack of definitive information about the armor has also contributed to its allure. It is unknown what happened to her original "white" armor later on. Some suggest that it might have been distributed amongst the victors of a battle. The mystery of what became of this iconic armor continues to fascinate historians, armor enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the story of Joan of Arc.
The story surrounding the famous Joan of Arc stone is an interesting connection. The story tells how Joan prayed before a statue of our lady standing on this stone and at the end of her petition she kissed it. From that time on the stone has remained colder than the stones surrounding it, representing a lasting, palpable link to her presence. What seems certain is that the niche, of which it is a part, is of the same period as Joan of Arc. This connection adds a layer of sanctity to this legend.
The story surrounding the famous Joan of Arc stone tells how Joan prayed before a statue of our lady standing on this stone and at the end of her petition she kissed it. From that time on the stone has remained colder than the stones surrounding it. What seems certain is that the niche, of which it is a part, is of the same period as Joan of Arc. This connection adds a layer of sanctity to this legend.
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Suit of Armour Joan of Arc Jeanne darc.info
Ladies’ Armor Joan of Arc Outfit4events
Ladies’ Armor Joan of Arc Outfit4Events
